To Die Is Gain, by Stephanie Wesco

Today we have a double-header! I am pleased to review a book and CD by the same woman, Mrs. Stephanie Wesco. Her story is inspiring, though sad, and this book is excellent!

“Before the beginning of time, God had a perfect plan for a very special man. He planned his parents, his time of birth, his childhood, his profession, his calling, his wife, his children, his ministry, his purpose for living. So much would transpire to bring about God’s ultimate purpose for that man’s life—to live and die for his Savior. That man was my husband, and this is his story—and mine.” ~synopsis 

Title: To Die Is Gain

Author: Stephanie Wesco

Genre(s): Christian Non-fiction; Autobiography

Rating: ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ (five stars)

Content: The murder of Mr. Wesco is described in sub-graphic detail. Those who are sensitive to such things may want to avoid this book or at least skip that section. There is also a narrative of most (if not all) of Mrs. Wesco’s childbirth experiences, which I would not recommend for young men in particular to read. Mrs. Wesco did deal with PTSD (post-tramatic stress disorder) and so some of that is described as well. As a conservative Christian teenage young lady, I did not find all of this to be too much, but everyone is different. (I would say the most graphic part was when Mr. Wesco was murdered; it describes blood everywhere and such.)

Romance Content: Mr. and Mrs. Wesco’s courtship story is detailed, but it is appropriate.

Recommended age range: 13+ for young ladies, not sure about young men.

My Review:

To Die Is Gain, by Stepanie Wesco, was an excellent, convicting, and encouraging book! I connected with Mrs. Wesco because her early life sounds similar to mine in many areas. We had heard about their family during the sad events mentioned above and had been praying for them, and thus were very interested to read the book Mrs. Wesco had written (and we also got their CD). They did not disappoint! This is a poignant true story of how God uses even evil for good and how His plan is always best. I was particularly encouraged by the testimony both Mr. and Mrs. Wesco had of memorizing large portions of Scripture and obeying God even when it was difficult. It was also a blessing to see how God worked in their lives. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is looking for an inspiring Christian autobiography that takes place in very recent times!

To read my review of the Wescos’ music CD, click here!